Love your pet ... love your vet - December 2011
Top ten tips for Christmas…
- Don't take your dog for a walk in the freezing cold and rain. If it's unavoidable make sure you dry him off as soon as possible.
- Make sure your pets don't get too over-excited – small furries and birds can become stressed in a noisy room or house with lots of Christmas excitement and distraction. Be very careful when letting your pet bird out to play.
- Don't let your pet play unsupervised with a new toy; eg, take care when putting your hamster into an exercise ball, he cannot stop it whilst in it and may become exhausted if left for too long.
- Remember your pond fish – put a large hollow ball in the water, so you can easily take it out if the pond freezes over. This way your fish will get enough oxygen.
- Ensure your Christmas tree is safe and stable. Cats love playing with dangling objects and baubles are too tempting to leave alone. A falling tree could cause major damage!
- Think hazards! Christmas tree lights are an obvious danger, but small toys and tinsel can also be hazardous if swallowed.
- Don't over-feed your pet – especially don't give a big meal, then decide to go and play energetically with your dog in the hope it will burn off those extra pounds. This may make your dog prone to a gastric torsion; a very serious condition! Chocolate is harmful to dogs, rats and hamsters so ensure it's not left out for them to steal!
- Never buy a 'Pet' as a Christmas present – this is too stressful a time to introduce a pet to its new family. You could buy a book about the pet instead so that the person can make an informed decision in the New Year!
- Buy appropriate gifts for pets – make sure they will be of benefit to your pet (rather than just make you feel good). For example a wheel fcor a hamster or mouse should be solid and the correct size.
- In the excitement, don't forget your outdoor pets like rabbits and guinea pigs. Ensure they are kept clean, warm and fed and watered daily.
Keith Moore BVSc MRCVS is a Veterinary Surgeon at Hillside Veterinary Centre in Corfe Mullen. For more information visit www.hillsidevets.co.uk. Follow us on Facebook.
Archived Articles :
- May 2013 - Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) and caring for your bunny!
- April 2013 - New pet in the family
- March 2013 - Itchy skin – could it be an allergy?
- February 2013 - Thyroid problems in pets
- January 2013 - Arthtritis - is your pet affected?
- December 2012 - love your vet this Christmas
- November 2012 - Combat firework fear!
- October 2012 - Troublesome ticks!
- September 2012 - Thirsty work…
- August 2012 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2012 - Don't get the summertime blues!
- June 2012 - Rabbit dental problems & a growing issue
- May 2012 - Fact file: Heart Disease
- April 2012 - Healthy teeth and gums
- March 2012 - Healthy teeth and gums
- February 2012 - Drinking like a fish?
- January 2012 - New Rules for the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
- December 2011 - Top ten tips for Christmas
- November 2011 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- October 2011 - Autumn aches: is your pet affected?
- September 2011 - Worms: a wriggly problem!
- August 2011 - Kennel cough – is your dog protected?
- July 2011 - Summertime: The heat is on!
- June 2011 - Pet passengers - are fleas and ticks an issue?
- May 2011 - Rabbit Awareness Week
- April 2011 - Eyes: taking the long view!
- March 2011 - Spring has sprung!
- February 2011 - Getting to the root of the problem!
- January 2011 - Pet Insurance - a really good idea!
- December 2010 - The big chill – a seasonal survival guide!
- November 2010 - Ticker trouble! Is my pet affected?
- October 2010 - Remember, remember your pets this November
- September 2010 - Autumn Alert!
- August 2010 - Thyroid disease – is your pet affected?
- July 2010 - It's official: Chips are good for pets!
- June 2010 - Beat the heat this summer!
- May 2010 - Wriggle your way out of this one!
- April 2010 - Parasites… spring into action and pollen problems
- March 2010 - Planning your trip abroad this summer?
- February 2010 - Meal deal – choosing the ideal diet!
- January 2010 - Winter Worries!
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